BAGHDAD, July 31 (UPI) -- The United States and Iraq are reported near agreement on a sensitive security plan involving the continued presence of U.S. troops in the nation.
Iraqi officials said the agreement would satisfy the nation's desire to be treated as sovereign and independent, The New York Times said Thursday.
While it does not specify any exact date, U.S. President George Bush's recent acknowledgment that troop withdrawal was an "aspirational goal" has revived the security plan talks, officials said.
Baghdad reportedly would get much of what they want under the tentative plan. Of utmost importance, it would give Iraqis a guarantee that there would no longer be foreign troops visible on their land, officials said.
However, Iraqis could ask for an extended U.S. military presence should security deteriorate.
